Psalms 86:16

KJV

O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.

KJV (with Strong's)

O turn {H6437}{H8798)} unto me, and have mercy {H2603}{H8798)} upon me; give {H5414}{H8798)} thy strength {H5797} unto thy servant {H5650}, and save {H3467}{H8685)} the son {H1121} of thine handmaid {H519}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Turn to me, and show me your favor; strengthen your servant, save your slave-girl's son. Give me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me will see it and be ashamed, because you, ADONAI, have helped and comforted me.

Berean Standard Bible

Turn to me and have mercy; grant Your strength to Your servant; save the son of Your maidservant.

American Standard Version

Oh turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; Give thy strength unto thy servant, And save the son of thy handmaid.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 86:16 presents a heartfelt and urgent plea from David, a profound expression of humble reliance and confident belonging within a psalm characterized by both lament and unwavering trust in God. This verse encapsulates a multifaceted petition for God's direct and compassionate attention, His empowering strength, and ultimate salvation. It underscores a deep, inherited, and lifelong relationship with the Almighty, offering a timeless model of vulnerable yet confident prayer rooted in an understanding of God's character and the supplicant's identity as His devoted servant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 86 is uniquely titled "A Prayer of David," distinguishing it as a deeply personal supplication within the Psalter. It belongs to Book III of the Psalms (Psalms 73-89), a collection often marked by individual and communal laments during periods of national distress, yet consistently affirming God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Throughout Psalm 86, David oscillates between expressions of personal distress and confident declarations of God's incomparable nature, His goodness, and His readiness to forgive. Verse 16 appears towards the psalm's conclusion, serving as a climactic and intensified personal appeal for divine intervention. It builds upon earlier affirmations of God's unmatched power (e.g., [Psalm 86:8-10](/psalms/86-8-10 "Psalm 86:8-10 - God's Uniqueness Among the Gods")) and David's own unwavering devotion (e.g., [Psalm 86:11-12](/psalms/86-11-12 "Psalm 86:11-12 - A Prayer for Guidance and Praise")), culminating in a direct, earnest plea for God's active engagement and deliverance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm is situated within the tumultuous life of King David, a period frequently marked by external threats from enemies and internal strife. Despite his royal status, David consistently models profound dependence on God as his ultimate refuge and source of strength in the face of immense pressures and dangers. The concepts of "servant" (`'eved`) and "handmaid" (`amah`) were deeply significant in ancient Israelite society and the broader ancient Near East. An `'eved` was a bondservant, one wholly dedicated to a master, implying loyalty, dependence, and belonging within the household structure. The phrase "son of thine handmaid" (`ben-amatekha`) further emphasized an inherited status of servitude, signifying someone born into the household and thus possessing an even deeper, more intrinsic connection and loyalty to the master. This was not a derogatory term but a profound declaration of belonging, humility, and lifelong devotion, often implying the master's responsibility for the servant's welfare and protection. For David, it signifies his absolute, inherited belonging to God's covenant family and household.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 86:16 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Mercy and Attention**, as David pleads for God to "turn unto me, and have mercy upon me," emphasizing God's compassionate nature and His active engagement with His people. This resonates with God's self-revelation as "merciful and gracious" in [Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - The Lord's Compassion and Grace"). Secondly, it underscores **Human Dependence on God's Strength**, acknowledging that true power and ability for service come solely from the Lord, a truth echoed in passages like [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Strength for Those Who Wait on the Lord") where those who wait on the Lord renew their strength. Thirdly, the verse powerfully articulates the theme of **Identity as God's Servant**, with David identifying himself as "thy servant" and "the son of thine handmaid," expressing a deep, inherited, and lifelong belonging to God's household. This humble devotion is a recurring motif for faithful leaders in Scripture, such as Moses in [Numbers 12:7](/numbers/12-7 "Numbers 12:7 - Moses, God's Faithful Servant"). Finally, the ultimate plea to "save" reinforces the theme of **Divine Salvation and Deliverance**, a recurring motif throughout the Psalms where God is consistently portrayed as the rescuer and protector of His faithful ones, as seen in [Psalm 3:8](/psalms/3-8 "Psalm 3:8 - Salvation Belongs to the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Turn (Hebrew, _pânâh'_):** From H6437, this verb literally means "to turn the face," "to direct attention," or "to face towards." In this context, it is an urgent plea for God to actively engage with the supplicant, to turn His divine gaze and favor upon David. It implies a desire for God's personal, direct, and favorable intervention, moving from a position of apparent distance to one of intimate presence and responsiveness.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chânan'_):** From H2603, this root conveys the idea of showing favor, compassion, or pity. It describes an act of unmerited kindness or grace, often in response to a plea from one in a weaker or distressed position. David's request for mercy is not based on his own merit but on God's inherent character of loving-kindness and willingness to extend grace to those who seek Him.
* **Strength (Hebrew, _ʻôz'_):** From H5797, this noun denotes might, power, and fortitude. It refers to a robust, inherent power, often used in the context of God's divine omnipotence. David's request for God to "give thy strength" is an acknowledgment of his own weakness and an appeal for divine empowerment, not just for physical might, but for spiritual resilience, courage, and the ability to endure and overcome the challenges he faces.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me;":** This opening clause is an impassioned and direct appeal for God's immediate and compassionate attention. The imperative "turn unto me" expresses a longing for God to direct His active presence and favorable disposition towards the psalmist, signifying a shift from perceived absence or indifference to engaged care. The subsequent "have mercy upon me" clarifies the nature of this desired engagement: it is a plea for divine grace and compassion, recognizing David's vulnerability and need for God's unmerited favor in his distress. It is a humble acknowledgment of dependence on divine benevolence.
* **"give thy strength unto thy servant,":** Here, David transitions from a plea for mercy to a request for divine empowerment. Identifying himself as "thy servant" (H5650, _ʻebed_) underscores his dedication and allegiance to God, while simultaneously acknowledging his own human limitations and weakness. The request to "give thy strength" (H5414, _nâthan_ and H5797, _ʻôz_) is a recognition that true fortitude, resilience, and capability for enduring trials or fulfilling God's purposes come not from human effort alone, but from the sovereign, enabling power of the Almighty. This is a prayer for divine enablement for service and endurance.
* **"and save the son of thine handmaid.":** This final clause is the ultimate request for deliverance, framed within a profound statement of identity. The plea to "save" (H3467, _yâshaʻ_) encompasses both physical rescue from danger and spiritual preservation and well-being. By referring to himself as "the son" (H1121, _bên_) "of thine handmaid" (H519, _ʼâmâh_), David reiterates and intensifies his claim of belonging to God's household from birth. This identity serves as a powerful basis for his appeal, implying that as one born into God's service and family, he has a rightful expectation of divine protection and salvation. It is a humble yet confident assertion of his covenant relationship with God, appealing to the master's responsibility for those born into his household.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 86:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its earnest plea and deepen its impact. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a combination of **Synonymous Parallelism** and **Intensifying Parallelism**. "O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me" demonstrates synonymous parallelism, where the second phrase reiterates and deepens the meaning of the first, both expressing a desire for God's favorable attention and compassion. Similarly, the phrases "thy servant" and "the son of thine handmaid" exhibit intensifying parallelism; "son of thine handmaid" builds upon "thy servant" to convey an even deeper, more intrinsic, and inherited bond of devotion and belonging, emphasizing a lifelong, familial connection. The entire verse functions as a direct **Supplication** or **Lament**, a heartfelt address to God characterized by earnest pleading and an expression of profound dependence. The use of the vocative "O" at the beginning of the verse, along with the repeated first-person pronoun "me" and the possessive "thy," creates a strong sense of **Personal Appeal** and intimacy in the prayer, drawing the listener or reader into David's vulnerable yet trusting posture. The terms "servant" and "son of thine handmaid" also function as powerful **Metaphors** for David's identity and relationship with God, illustrating his humility, dedication, and deep-rooted belonging within God's divine household and covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 86:16 profoundly articulates the theology of human dependence on divine grace and power. It portrays God as inherently merciful, attentive, and mighty, ever ready to respond to the sincere cries of His devoted ones. David's prayer is not a demand but a humble petition rooted in his understanding of God's character and his own identity as one belonging entirely to God. This verse reinforces the biblical truth that true strength and salvation originate solely from God, and that approaching Him with vulnerability and a confident sense of belonging is the pathway to receiving His divine aid. It speaks to the covenant relationship between God and His people, where His faithfulness is the bedrock upon which all petitions are laid, and His compassion is the wellspring from which His children draw.

* [Psalm 51:1](/psalms/51-1 "Psalm 51:1 - David's Prayer for Mercy After Sin")
* [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Renewed Strength for Those Who Wait on the Lord")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient in Weakness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 86:16 offers a timeless and profound model for prayer, particularly in moments of personal distress, overwhelming need, or when facing daunting challenges. It teaches us to approach God with radical honesty about our weaknesses and the limitations of our own resources, acknowledging that true strength and ultimate deliverance come not from self-reliance but from God alone. This verse encourages a posture of humble dependence, reminding us that our identity as God's beloved servants, belonging to Him by grace and covenant, is the foundation for our petitions. This confident sense of belonging empowers us to draw near to God's throne with boldness, trusting in His unfailing mercy and His readiness to empower and save those who are His. In every season of life, this verse calls believers to continually seek God's face, to lean into His empowering presence, and to rest in the assurance of His compassionate response to the cries of His children, knowing that our deepest security is found in His unwavering care.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most desperately need God to "turn unto" you with His mercy and attentive presence?**
* **How does acknowledging your identity as "God's servant" or "son/daughter of His handmaid"—one who belongs entirely to Him—influence your prayers for strength and salvation?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper sense of humble dependence on God's strength rather than relying solely on your own abilities?**

### FAQ

**What does "son of thine handmaid" mean for believers today?**

Answer: For believers today, the phrase "son of thine handmaid" (or "daughter of thine handmaid") is a powerful metaphor for our spiritual identity and belonging within God's family. It signifies a deep, inherited, and lifelong dedication to God, not through physical birth into a household of servitude, but through spiritual birth and adoption into God's family through Christ. Just as a child born to a handmaid in ancient times belonged inherently to the master's household, so too through Christ, believers are born into God's spiritual household, becoming His children and lifelong servants. It speaks to our utter dependence on God, our humble devotion, and the security of our belonging to Him from the moment of our spiritual new birth, as described in [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Becoming Children of God").

**How does God "turn unto" us in a practical sense?**

Answer: God "turns unto" us by actively engaging with our lives, demonstrating His presence, favor, and compassion. Practically, this can manifest in various ways: through His Holy Spirit's comfort and guidance, through His Word providing wisdom and direction, through providential circumstances that demonstrate His care, through the support and prayers of the Christian community, and through direct answers to prayer. It signifies God's personal and attentive involvement in our struggles and needs, confirming that He is not distant but intimately concerned with His children, as promised in [Psalm 34:15](/psalms/34-15 "The Eyes of the Lord Are on the Righteous") and [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "Casting All Your Cares on Him").

**Is it acceptable to ask God for strength when I feel weak, or should I just try harder?**

Answer: Absolutely, it is not only acceptable but biblically encouraged to ask God for strength when you feel weak. Psalm 86:16 provides a clear biblical precedent for this very plea. The Bible consistently teaches that human strength is limited, and true, enduring power comes from God alone. Acknowledging our weakness and humbly asking God for His strength is an act of faith and dependence, which God honors. It aligns with the principle found in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "God's Grace is Sufficient in Weakness"), where God's power is made perfect in weakness. Trying harder in our own strength often leads to burnout, frustration, and a sense of isolation; relying on God's strength leads to His sustaining grace, enabling us to accomplish His will and endure trials with divine fortitude.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 86:16, a deeply personal plea from David, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's identity as "thy servant" and "the son of thine handmaid" powerfully foreshadows Christ, the quintessential Servant of the Lord, who perfectly embodied humble obedience and complete dependence on the Father. [Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Christ Taking the Form of a Servant") reveals that Jesus "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant," fully identifying with humanity in its weakness and need. His earthly life was a continuous demonstration of seeking the Father's strength and mercy, culminating in His ultimate act of salvation on the cross. The plea "O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me" is answered in Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's mercy and grace, making it possible for all to approach the throne of grace with confidence, as encouraged in [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Approaching the Throne of Grace"). Furthermore, Christ, the "Son of Man," came not to be served but "to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "The Son of Man Came to Serve")), perfectly fulfilling the servant identity. Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, He secures our salvation and grants us a new identity: no longer merely servants by birth, but adopted children of God ([John 1:12](/john/1-12 "Becoming Children of God")), heirs with Christ, and empowered by His Spirit to live as His servants, drawing daily from His inexhaustible strength. Thus, David's ancient cry is fully realized in the person and work of Jesus, who is both the ultimate recipient of the Father's strength and the source of salvation and empowerment for all who believe.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Ephesians 6:10

¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Isaiah 40:29

He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength.

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Psalms 116:16

O LORD, truly I [am] thy servant; I [am] thy servant, [and] the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.

Psalms 25:16

Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I [am] desolate and afflicted.

Psalms 138:3

In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, [and] strengthenedst me [with] strength in my soul.